Ukraine has identified priority measures to reduce the shadow economy and combat tax evasion schemes. Particular attention will be paid to the illegal tobacco trade, gambling, smuggling and the use of humanitarian aid.
This was announced by Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi.
According to him, the measures were discussed by government officials, members of parliament, and the leadership of the Bureau of Economic Security, the National Police, the tax service and the customs service.
Among the priority areas are combating the illegal production and circulation of tobacco products, taxation of electronic cigarettes and e-liquids, fighting smuggling and tax evasion schemes.
The authorities also plan to step up efforts against fraud in the gambling industry.
Controls over humanitarian aid to be tightened
The meeting also focused separately on control over the import, accounting and designated use of humanitarian aid.
According to Koretskyi, there are “reasonable suspicions” that the status of humanitarian aid may be used in criminal schemes.
The Ministry of Social Policy, together with other government agencies, is expected to prepare the relevant amendments to regulations.
Contracts and invoices to move to electronic format
Another area of the de-shadowing effort will be the introduction of electronic contracts and invoices for agreements and billing, as well as automated data exchange.
The necessary legislative changes will be prepared to implement these measures.
Specific tasks, deadlines and responsible officials have been assigned for each area.
“The task is to prevent or make illegal schemes impossible, ensure additional revenues to the state budget and create equal conditions for businesses that operate legally and pay taxes,” Koretskyi said.
The government plans to report on progress in reducing the shadow economy every month.
